Building a Blended Family Tom and Jakey expect a happy future as husband and wife. They plan to wed in three months, move into their new house (behind them) and lead a happy, blended family with his smiling daughters, Simone (17) and Shayla (12), now swinging her son, Nathaniel (5). However, blended families often experience challenges as step-parents try to establish relationships with stepchildren.

KIMBERLY P. MITCHELL/DETROIT FREE PRESS/MCT/NEWSCOM